[Engine-R]

One very important information I would also like to tell you

It has shown, that the adjustment marks on the swing arm from the EX250 and EX300 haven't been correct, so when the rear wheel was adjusted according to the marks it was / is not straight within the swing arm / to the frame.
I by myself had always problems with cornering, left turns have been easy and right turns have been problematic (I already don't like right turns that much).
Also my tyre was slantwise worn out, which was really good to see.
So I'd look for a solution and found this

Riding with a straight rear wheel is much more fun and since that time also cornering to the right is the same like to the left.

Maybe all this is not necessary because the marks from the EX400 are correct, but when I follow so many comments here on the forum then I see that a lot of the problems from the EX250 and the EX300 exist on the EX400 also...

 

[Kiwi Rider]

I don't trust the marks on the swing arm either. I always measure both sides from the swingarm pivot to the rear axle when I do my chain adjustments.
The marks on my bike are out a little but not too bad.

 

[Chappy]

How would you fix something like this? Do you need to realign the rear wheel?

 

[Rider2112]

This are simple, but cheap and effective little tools to check alignment.

https://www.revzilla.com/product/motion-pro-chain-alignment-tool


@Chappy, its just a matter of aligning the adjusters on both sides of the swingarm.

 

[Kiwi Rider]

How would you fix something like this? Do you need to realign the rear wheel?

After setting your alignment perfect using another method like the one I suggested or string lines off the front wheel or what ever, then you could possibly file one of the indicator plates a bit where it contacts the axle to get it to read accurately. Fiddly job though.

 

[smallbored]

There's usually a bit of slop in the marked brackets. Try tapping those brackets either both forward or back (doesn't matter which) so that that the brackets are both up against the axle when you start tightening the axle nut...do that again a couple times as you continue to tighten the axle nut to make sure the brackets have not slipped. This should get the wheel acceptably aligned for most riding..except perhaps for the hard core rider / racers.

 

[Flash Bantam]

This is an age old problem but my Z400 has accurate indicator marks. I've double checked with a motion pro tool and by measurements.

 

[Jackpine]

This is an age old problem but my Z400 has accurate indicator marks. I've double checked with a motion pro tool and by measurements.

Yup, same here.

 

[airhead83]

T This should get the wheel acceptably aligned for most riding..except perhaps for the hard core rider / racers.

Thanks for that!! Sometimes a ruler and piece of string will work just fine. No need for a laser verified measurement.

 

[Ninja400_Rider]

I don't trust the marks on the swing arm either. I always measure both sides from the swingarm pivot to the rear axle when I do my chain adjustments.
The marks on my bike are out a little but not too bad.

Where exactly is the Swing Arm Pivot? Can you post a picture? Can you use the tape measure flat on both sides to measure it accurately within 1 mm? Thanks.

 

[Kiwi Rider]

Where exactly is the Swing Arm Pivot? Can you post a picture? Can you use the tape measure flat on both sides to measure it accurately within 1 mm? Thanks.

It's 10pm and I need to go to bed so maybe tomorrow I can take a pic unless someone beats me too it.

 

[Ninja400_Rider]

It's 10pm and I need to go to bed so maybe tomorrow I can take a pic unless someone beats me too it.

Hi Kiwi, when you get a chance, can you take a picture and let me know how you measure it? Thanks.

 

[Kiwi Rider]

Righto here ya go... Pic 1 is the swing arm pivot bolt that runs right through to the other side of the bike. You can see I've put a black dot in the middle of its head for measuring purposes.
Pic 2 is the rear axle bolt, ditto black dot added.
Pic 3 is me measuring between the two black dots with a 600mm steel rule. But you could use a tape measure. You get good at it with practice. Repeat process on other side and alter chain tensioners until both sides are the same distance apart.

 

[Ninja400_Rider]

Perfect! Thanks. I used the Dental floss to make sure both sides are exactly equal. The markings are also aligned. I also have a motion pro chain alignment tool coming to validate the alignment. I think I will need to remove the chain guard with 3 bolts and one quick connector to use the tool. Any tips to use the tool? I think it is pretty straight forward.